Since April 2016, the Chief Coroner of Yukon has recorded 149 deaths related to or caused by toxic drugs.
On January 20, 2022, the Government of Yukon declared a Substance Use Health Emergency following 25 deaths linked to toxic illicit drugs in 2021 and eight more in the first days of 2022. Since then, the Yukon Coroner Services recorded 73 deaths related to or caused by toxic illicit drugs.
In the first three months of 2026, there have been no fatalities linked to toxic drugs reported to the Yukon Coroner Services. This marks a clear decline in comparison to recent years. While the beginning of 2026 shows a change from previous trends, it does not erase or diminish the harm done by these toxic drug supplies to the Yukon’s communities over the years. The absence of reported deaths in this period does not indicate a change in risk. The illicit drug supply remains highly toxic and unpredictable, and outcomes can change rapidly over short periods of time.
If someone is struggling with substance use, there is free help available in the Yukon. Yukoners can visit substanceuseservices.ca to learn more about available supports and services, including counselling, harm reduction services, treatment programs, naloxone training, outreach supports and connections to community organizations across the territory.
Support is available for individuals, families and loved ones at different stages of their journey, whether they are seeking treatment, looking to reduce harms associated with substance use or simply wanting to talk to someone.
Toxic, illicit drugs have inflicted immeasurable harm on our territory. The impact of these preventable deaths is still carried and felt by families, friends and communities. Any plan for public safety must confront addiction and the opioid and substance use crisis head-on. Prevention, treatment and enforcement must work in tandem to support Yukoners struggling with these issues, and our government remains committed to improving public safety and helping people heal.
What the Yukon has seen with substance use related deaths is heartbreaking. As Chief Coroner, and as a member of our Yukon community, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the 149 individuals who have died. These were the lives of our loved ones and Yukon communities are still mourning their passing. I ask everyone to be compassionate and work together to create the change that is needed to alter our course. The first few months of 2026 offer a necessary relief from a crisis that has had devastating effects over the past 10 years.
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In the last decade, the Yukon Coroner Services recorded 149 deaths caused by or related to toxic illicit drugs. 127 of these deaths involved fentanyl (85 per cent) and 116 of them involved cocaine (80 per cent).
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Francis Lefebvre
Communications, Justice
867-667-8144
[email protected]